A Level Playing Field

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
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  • Football

A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.  We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe.  Sponsored by Nutmeg Magazine 

  1. 2d ago

    Joelle Murray on loyalty and life in the Hibs dugout I A Level Playing Field I Episode 28

    On this week’s episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Joelle Murray as she opens up on stepping into the Hibernian Women manager’s role following Grant Scott’s exit and what it means to lead the club she’s always called home. From her emotional connection to Hibs, to being recognised with the prestigious One Club Award, Murray reflects on a journey that began at her dad’s side, learning the game from a player who shaped her love of football. That foundation still drives her today, both in how she sees the game and how she wants her team to play. She speaks candidly about never wanting to leave Hibernian as a player, and how that loyalty now fuels her ambition as a manager. We dive into her coaching identity, what type of manager she believes she is, and the values that matter most in building a successful environment. There’s also a look ahead to her plans for the future, her vision for the squad, and how she’s navigating the transition from dressing room leader to the dugout. A story of loyalty, identity and stepping into a new chapter with one club still at the heart of it all. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  2. Sep 9

    SWF Chair Vivienne MacLaren on ambition, finance and the future of women's football I A Level Playing Field I Episode 27

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Vivienne MacLaren, the chairperson of Scottish Women’s Football, for an honest and insightful conversation about the game in Scotland. Vivienne reflects on her personal relationship with football and the journey that led her to one of the most influential roles in the women’s game. She opens up on what the position really entails behind the scenes, from leadership and governance to driving progress across all levels of the sport. We also delve into the challenges facing the women’s game, including the ongoing concerns around finances, sustainability, and how the sport can continue to grow in a competitive landscape. It’s a candid look at the realities of running the game  and what still needs to change. Alongside the serious topics, Vivienne shares stories from her long-standing friendship with Scottish football icon Rose Reilly, offering a personal glimpse into the people who have shaped the sport’s history. A thoughtful and revealing episode that explores leadership, legacy, and the future of women’s football in Scotland. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  3. Aug 28

    Changing the game: Mario Lapointe's plan for Dumbarton Women I A Level Playing Field I Episode 26

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Dumbarton owner Mario Lapointe to explore how his vision for the club extends far beyond the men’s game and why the women’s team is central to that future. Lapointe discusses the motivations behind his investment in Dumbarton and how he believes the club can become a platform for growth in the women’s game. From bringing the women’s side into the main stadium for matches, to creating greater visibility and parity within the club structure, he outlines how infrastructure and intent can drive meaningful change. We also delve into his background in sport and how that experience shapes his approach to leadership, alongside a candid look at the financial realities of developing a women’s team and why he sees that as an opportunity rather than a barrier. With a clear vision for progression, sustainability and raising standards, Lapointe shares where he believes Dumbarton’s women’s team can go next and what it will take to get there. This is a conversation about ambition, investment and the role clubs can play in pushing the women’s game forward. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  4. Aug 17

    Fran Alonso: I never wanted to leave Celtic and I dream of Hoops return I A Level Playing Field I Episode 25

    Episode 2 of A Level Playing Field sees Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith sit down with former Celtic manager Fran Alonso.  From the heartbreak of a dramatic final day in the SWPL title race to the pride and joy of watching Celtic ultimately become champions, Alonso reflects on the moments that defined his time at the club. He opens up on what it meant to fall in love with Celtic, how that connection grew during his tenure, and why the club still holds such a special place for him. The conversation also takes us beyond Glasgow, as Alonso discusses his experience coaching in Houston, the lessons learned along the way, and how those have shaped his approach to the game. Looking ahead, he shares his ambitions for the future and he speaks candidly about his dream of one day returning to Celtic. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  5. Aug 14

    SWPL Season Preview: Inside the launch, Player insights & What's Coming Next

    Season 2 kicks off with a special episode from inside the SWPL launch as we look ahead to a brand new campaign.  Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith are back for a bigger and better second season of A Level Playing Field, bringing you closer to the players and the stories shaping the women's game. We caught up with players from Hearts, Rangers, Hibs, Celtic and Glasgow City to get the inside track on how they’re feeling ahead of the season, the ambitions for their clubs, and the key storylines to watch. From title hopes to emerging talent and everything in between, this is your essential preview of the SWPL season - straight from the players themselves, before a ball is even kicked. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  6. Jun 4

    That's a wrap on the SWPL I A Level Playing Field I Episode 23

    On the final whistle of the season, A Level Playing Field signs off with a comprehensive look back at a thrilling Scottish Women’s Premier League campaign. Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell dive into the defining moments of the 2025/26 SWPL season.  From the twists in the title race to the standout performers who lit up the league.  With goals flying in across the campaign and records tumbling along the way, they reflect on what made this season one of the most competitive and compelling yet. The duo break down the key storylines: the battle at the top and the fight for European places.  Plus, Cheryl and Alison assess how the league is developing off the pitch and what it all means heading into next season. It’s a full-time reflection on a landmark SWPL season and the perfect way to close out the campaign. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  7. May 27

    Emma Lawton eyes Old Firm cup glory I A Level Playing Field I Episode 22

    Celtic defender Emma Lawton joins us ahead of the biggest game in the domestic calendar as the Hoops prepare to face Rangers in the Women's Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park this Sunday. The Scotland international reflects on Celtic’s journey to the final, including a dramatic semi-final victory that booked their place on the big stage, and discusses the mindset within the squad heading into a high-stakes Old Firm showdown. Lawton opens up on the challenge of facing a well-organised Rangers side, the importance of big-game mentality, and what it would mean to lift silverware at Hampden. She also shares insight into her own development over the past year and how the group is handling the pressure and excitement of a cup final occasion. With rivalry, history, and a national trophy on the line, this is one of the standout fixtures in the Scottish women’s game and Emma Lawton takes us inside Celtic’s camp as they get ready for it. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

  8. May 20

    Melissa Andreatta reveals Emslie return to Scotland Squad I A Level Playing Field I Episode 21

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Melissa Andreatta joins us ahead of Scotland’s crucial double header against Israel in Hungary, with both fixtures set to be played behind closed doors. Andreatta reflects on her latest squad selection, offering insight into key inclusions and the balance she’s building within the group.  She also discusses the welcome return of Claire Emslie, who is back in contention just five months after the birth of her son - a significant moment both personally and professionally. Looking ahead, Andreatta outlines her ambitions for the squad as they continue to evolve, and what success looks like in the coming window.  The conversation also turns to the domestic game, as she shares her thoughts on a dramatic SWPL title race reaching its conclusion this weekend. It’s an open and insightful chat with one of the key figures shaping the future of the Scotland national team. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

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About

A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.  We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe.  Sponsored by Nutmeg Magazine 

Information

  • Creator
    Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Level Playing Field
  • Show Website
    A Level Playing Field

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